Development Intern, Fall Internship

BPC's Spring Internship Program

The Bipartisan Policy Center’s internship program is built around each intern’s goals. Interns conduct research, support project analysts and staff, and see firsthand how people from both parties work together on policy. The program also offers exposure to the policymaking process and the functions of a think tank, plus professional development and networking with BPC staff and interns across DC.

Spring interns work 18 to 20 hours per week and receive a $3,000 stipend, paid in two equal installments during the internship. Interns set a weekly schedule with their intern manager at the start of the semester and can adjust it around class commitments.

BPC’s internships are based in our Washington, DC office. BPC staff are in the office Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Monday and Friday. Relocation assistance is not provided.

The Spring 2027 internship program runs Tuesday, January 26, 2027, through Thursday, April 1, 2027.

Project Description:

The Bipartisan Policy Center’s success depends on its ability to both communicate its work effectively and secure the resources to sustain it. The External Relations department, which includes communications, development, and events, plays a vital role in amplifying BPC’s mission and impact. As part of a cross-functional team, the Development Intern will gain hands-on experience in nonprofit communications, donor relations, media outreach, and digital engagement while supporting BPC’s policy initiatives

The Development Intern will work closely with members of the development and events teams to assist with a variety of projects that strengthen BPC’s visibility, credibility, and sustainability.

Responsibilities:

• Researching funding prospects (foundations, corporations, and individuals)
• Prepare briefing memos for use by leadership and external audiences
• Supporting donor cultivation, stewardship, and outreach activities
• Assisting with database entry to help maintain accurate constituent records
• Tracking fundraising trends and news to brief the broader Development team on relevant takeaways and inform strategy
• Providing organizational and planning assistance for meetings and special events

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate students at the rising junior level or above, currently enrolled graduate students, or graduates within the past 12 months
• Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply but must have a valid work permit or visa verifying eligibility to work in the United States. BPC does not offer visa sponsorship.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate (rising juniors and above), graduate students, or recent graduates
• Strong interest in public policy, politics, communications, and/or nonprofit management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong editing ability
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-up skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel); database or design software experience desirable
• Creative, collaborative, and able to work in a fast-paced team environment

Application Process:

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate has been identified.
• Send a separate application for each internship of interest, and do not submit more than once to the same posting.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• No phone calls, please.

Required Materials (if possible, please submit as one PDF file):

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample, three to five pages
• College or university transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• Brief response to the question “What does bipartisanship mean to you?” (five to eight sentences)

To celebrate diversity and ensure equity and inclusivity, BPC is committed to:

• Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce with insights and solutions for our increasingly divided society
• Creating a workplace culture where all employees feel valued and their perspectives are heard
• Developing policy solutions and undertaking research that reflect a diversity of thought and experience

These commitments help us fulfill our mission and foster bipartisanship more effectively.